Cigar and Beverage Pairings

La Casita Criolla Short Churchill and Shorts Brew Black Cherry Porter

2012-01-24T12:03:00.001-05:00

The Porter

Short's Brew Black Cherry Porter

Brewed with Black Cherry Puree

Short’s Brewing Company

Elk Rapids, Michigan, USA

Shortsbrewing.com

7% abv

58 IBU’s

Made in October

I made some chili with this the other week. The recipe called for water and to me that means a good tasty ale, porter or stout instead.

Make sure to swirl the last couple of inches in the bottle to stir up the sediment. I swirled that damn bottle till the cows came home and there still was sediment on the bottom of that darn bottle. Swirling the bottle not only gets the sediment mixed in, but also helps to give it a little better head.

Appearance: pretty much a black body with brown, ever so slightly, around the edges. The deep tan head looked like whipped mousse by the time I was done swirling that bottle so much. Syrupy like legs drip on the glass with each sip.

Aroma: dark roasted coffee and dark bitter chocolate notes with of course dark cherries.

Flavors: a bit of a syrupy dark cherry taste that dominates the 90% like dark chocolate, dark roasted coffee. The three different hops used in this Porter adds a nice bitter tone that helps to balance the five different malts.

Mouthfeel: low carbonation, almost creamy and almost syrupy and almost stout like – no it is stout like, bitter note on the mid and late palate, long lingering sweet cherry and roasted grains,

My Strength Scale: 8.5 – full bodied porter

To the Point: I remember buying the six pack and trying the first bottle that night. I was not too thrilled. The black cherry, which can come across a little medicinal like, was too dominating for me. I had my next bottle after have a meal and the palate was ready to handle a fuller bodied porter like this. I felt this porter going on me. This Porter is not for everyone.

Have yourself a big steak dinner and then pour yourself a bottle of this Black Cherry Porter by Short’s Brewing and enjoy an after-dinner treat.

The Cigar

La Casita Criolla Short Churchill

100% Connecticut Broadleaf Tobacco

An American Puro – Really

But, assembled in Nicaragua

Size: 6.5 x 48

Off the Light: a good woody quality dominates the start. There seems to be a brown spicebox tone in the mix here at the start. The cigar comes across medium bodied and for a few inches develops a med-full body mouthfeel. The texture is leather like.

As the cigar burn approaches the end of the first third there is a good medium roast coffee note and a hint of chocolate. I think the smaller ring gauge stick that I smoked last night had a better chocolate like quality. I don’t notice any spice at this point.

This cigar does hold a strong gray ash. It is easy to get an inch or inch and a half ash on this smoke.

Pairing: Time to introduce the Short’s Black Cherry Porter! This full bodied Porter works well with this medium bodied cigar. Both products have a good coffee and chocolate like quality. The Porter is more of a 90% dark chocolate while the cigar is more of a semi-sweet chocolate. The Porter has a dark roast coffee likeness and the cigar is more of a mild-medium roast coffee. I think I like the black cherry taste from the Porter better while smoking this cigar.

Being a dark chocolate lover and a coffee fanatic – this is a quality pairing.

Mid-Point: Pretty much like the mid part of the first third. A tasty medium roast coffee and a hint of semi-sweet chocolate with a nice hardwood like note.

Down the Stretch: The smoke is a little more robust in the final third. Roasted grains, the coffee has been on the burner a little long, a touch of burnt hardwood and I don’t notice the chocolate at this point.

My Strength Rating: 5 – overall during this pairing.

La Casita Criolla Corona Gorda and Dark Horse Too Cream Stout: Pairing

2012-01-22T17:23:00.001-05:00

The Stout

Dark Horse Too Cream Stout

Dark Horse Brewing Co.

Marshall, Michigan, USA

Darkhorsebrewery.com

Abv not available from Dark Horse

Beeradvocate reports it as 8%

Fall & Winter Seasonal

Made with milk sugar (lactose)

Thick sediment sits at the bottom of this bottle. For me, I have to stir this up. Make sure to either roll the bottle before opening and/or save an inch of stout at the bottom of the bottle to swirl in the rest of the sediment.

Appearance: black body with a very thin dark roasted tan head (1/2 finger). Swirling the glass you can see the viscosity of this stout. It looks like maple syrup dripping down the glass with each swirl. This also kicks the head up a bit as well as the aroma.

Aroma: deep roasted malts and grains, roasted cocoa beans,

Flavors: delicious roasted malts, to me it has the right amount of sweetness from the milk sugar, 90% dark chocolate bitter bite at the finish

Mouthfeel: nice creamy texture, the sweetness hits my palate on the delivery and travels up the middle of the tongue and then the bitter notes fold around it from the side, not as syrupy as I thought it was going to be, dark chocolate bitterness on the finish and aftertaste, smooth texture

My Strength Rating: 7.5 – medium-full – the smooth style keeps me from calling it full

To the Point: a good to very good Cream Stout. I personally like the dark roasted notes. While, I personally don’t think of this as complex I do think of it as having a very good personality.

The Cigar

La Casita Criolla Corona Gorda

100% Connecticut Broadleaf Tobacco

An American Puro – Really

But, assembled in Nicaragua

Size: 5-5/8 x 46

HCBC Corano Gorda

I had another cigar planned for this stout but, after tasting and enjoy the stout I am going to go to this cigar. I think it should pair up very well. The other cigar I think would have been too spicy.

I am looking forward to smoking this stick. I had one the other night on a full palate and it was delicious. Nice coffee and dark chocolate tones, from what I remember. Well, let’s see what I remember.

Off the Light: burnt wood and leafs. Maybe I left the lighter flame on the foot a touch too long. I am use to bigger ring gauges than this little 46. After a few puffs and a sip or two of my stout the taste is returning. I don’t remember the last time I ever over torched my cigar on the light. Nice roasted coffee bean, a tasty sweet alder wood tone,

Late in the first half it has a bit of a nutty quality, almost walnut meat like or walnut shell, there is also a chocolate note showing up that reminds me of a semi-sweet chocolate.

Nice tight gray ash. The burn has been perfect. Ample smoke from this little baby. My strength rating for the first half: 5.5 – medium.

The Pairing: the roasted coffee bean, alder wood like note and semi-sweet chocolate of the cigar comingles with the stouts deep roasted tones, bitter chocolate and milk sugars for a wonderful medium-full pairing.

Second Half: the roasted coffee bean continues, the wood like tone is reminding me of a hardwood maybe a cedar tone, I am not picking up any nutty notes at this point, and the chocolate is more of a dark chocolate bite. The strength rating is right around a 5.5/6.

The Pairing: the Too Cream Stout is refreshing to drink after a few puffs of the cigar. I think it is that creamy mouthfeel of the stout that helps with that. It does leave a good bitter coffee note on the aftertaste.

Here are my football picks for today. New England over Baltimore in a tight game. I like both these teams so, if Baltimore wins I am alright with that. For the second game today; I hate both these teams but, I'll go with San Fran with an easy victory over New York Giants. Please no victory for New York.

Cohiba Edicion Limitada 2004 and Leinenkugel’s Big Eddy: Pairing

2012-01-21T10:51:00.001-05:00

The Stout

Leinenkugel’s Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout 2011

“Dark and complex with 11 malts and grains balanced by three different and distinct hops.”

Jacob Leinenkugle Brewing Co.

Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin

9.5% abv

Appearance: black as night body with a fine one finger dark tan head. Thick lacing left on the glass and it look syrupy running down the glass with each sip.

Aroma: dark roasted grains and a little anise, the overall bouquet is soft though.

Flavors: dark roasted grains, salty, espresso like taste, bitter dark chocolate (95% dark chocolate), roasted molasses,

Mouthfeel: the bitter notes dominate, little syrupy and creamy feel, low carbonation,

My Strength Rating: 8 – a good full bodied Russian Stout

The Cigar

Cohiba Edicion Limitada 2004

Habana, Cuba

Size: 6.5 x 54 is my guess

The wrapper has some big veins and the end cap looks rough. The cigar has an oval shape as well (which could happen

A friend sent this stick to me. I think he said he got it from someone who brought it back from an international trip.

Now, I am no Cigar expert on Cuban cigars but, there are plenty of fakes out there. The cap on the butt of this cigar is too jagged and the veins too big for starters.

Then, look at the label. Someone once told me the number of dots is a dead giveaway. From the orange/yellow band and up there should be four dots and this one has five. Let me get my book out on Havana Cigars. Now, this book is dated 1997 so, this is based on old information. But, here is a picture from the book.

The four dot band was discontinued
in 2003

Let’s search the web for more info. Here is a good web site on Cuban Bands. The web site says that the four dot band was discontinued in 2003. The five dot band started in 2003 and the label is embossed. Now, my question is, ‘is the name embossed’ or ‘the name and the other gold trim around the name embossed?’ On the cigar that I have the name looks like it is/was embossed and the gold trim box around the name is flat.

Another way to tell is to smoke it. A lot of the fakes will taste like dry hay or grassy and some can be very good. The ash of the fakes will sometimes be flaky and hold a weak ash. Let’s see how this one performs.

Off the Light: soil and a light woody taste. As the smoke continues there is a good medium roast coffee note, along with the rich soil and a hint of dry cocoa powder.

The ash is very tight and there is nothing better than a tight ash. The cigar also holds a very strong ash. It took two firm taps to knock a one inch ash off this stick. The burn is very even. It smokes like a real one.

Let me pair this cigar with a Russian Imperial Stout from Leinenkugel’s called, Big Eddy. I had one of these last week and it was tasty.

The Pairing: the dark-bold coffee and 95% dark chocolate like qualities of the Stout complement the medium roast coffee, rich soil and the dry cocoa powder notes of the cigar. This is a full bodied pairing.

Second Half: I would have broken this down in thirds on a big cigar like this but; I have been enjoying the beverage pairing with this cigar that I forgot what I was even doing here!!!

Anyways, there is only three inches left on this tasty cigar. The coffee note seems to have taken a step up from the medium to a medium-full roast; the rich soil quality is still present; and the dry cocoa powder seems to be more of a dark chocolate like note.

The first half seemed to be a medium bodied smoke that was leaning toward a medium-full. This second half is starting to build some strength.

The Pairing: the salty note from the stout seems to be more on the aftertaste while smoking this cigar. Both products are showing their dark roasted coffee notes and some firm dark chocolate tones. If you are looking for a full bodied experience – well, this is it.

My Cigar Lounge

2012-01-15T10:18:00.002-05:00

I fixed up my garage this past fall. I wish I had before and after pics but, here are the after ones.

I have some antique golf clubs, old catcher and umpire masks with an old baseball bat from the 40's.

The chair is from Gardner White, the side table from an estate sale and the floor ashtray is one that I refinished.

My favorite chair that I picked up at a garage sale for $30 dollars. It is a Thomasville chair that has an ottoman. The table I picked up at an estate sale. The greyhound floor stand ashtray is one of my favorites as well.

I picked this leather sofa up at Gardner White in the clearance section for $250. It was just missing the feet. I put new feet on for a total of 20 bucks. The side table I picked up at an estate sale.

I painted the cabinet doors black and the frames grey. The three TV's came from the basement and I put new flat screens in the basement then.

La Flor Dominicana Air Bender Maestro: Review

2012-01-14T12:09:00.001-05:00

Wrapper: Habano

Binder/Filler: Dominican

Size: 5.5 x 52

$8.69 from Smoky’s of Livonia, Michigan

Off the Light: medium roast coffee. As the smoke continues there is a light undertone of sweet caramel and a nice woody tone with a focus on cedar. I don’t get any peppery spice but, more of a settle spice box note (green and brown spices). During the first half of the cigar the medium roast coffee seems to be the main profile. The burn has been uneven but, does not need correction with the lighter – yet. The draw is a bit firm.

The strength rating on the first half is a 4 to me. This would place it as mild-medium on my strength scale (can be found in left margin on the blog). To me the body weight is medium at best and the flavors and mouthfeel are mild-medium at best.

Second Half: this stick holds a firm grey ash. It should be easy to get a one or two inch ash on this cigar. The slight uneven burn during the first half has evened up on its own by the time it has reached the middle point of the cigar. The draw is still a bit firm but, has opened a bit from the first half.

There still is a sweet medium coffee flavor with a good woody character. The spice box note is still present and it seems to have a dash of white pepper added to the mix. There is a light yet rich soil earthy tone that is building strength here on the second half. The mouthfeel overall is a smooth leathery feel.

The strength rating during the second half seems to be building to a 5 strength rating. Let’s see how the final couple inches go.

The smoke is still smooth and tasty as I smoke this stick down to the nub.

My Strength Rating: 4.5 – medium at best overall. I have seen a few reviews on this cigar and they were call it full bodied; I just don’t see that.

To the Point: the Maestro is a tasty stick.

Man O War Virtue Box Press and Sprucewood Shores 2007 Meritage: Pairing

2012-01-07T12:07:00.018-05:00

The Wine

Sprucewood Shores 2007 Meritage

VQA Lake Erie North Shore

Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery

Harrow, Ontario, Canada

Sprucewoodshores.com

13% abv

$21.95 a bottle

Aroma: smoky black cherry that would make a good pipe tobacco blend

Flavors: black cherry, juicy berries – red currant and black raspberry, smoky earthy tone, cocoa powder

Mouthfeel: this is velvety smooth, the tannins and acidity are in balance, a moderate dry feel on the finish, the lingering berries seem a bit short

See full review on WinePostings

The Cigar

Man O War Virtue Box Press

Wrapper: Connecticut-seed Ecuadorian grown

Fillers: Nicaragua

Size: 5.5 x 52 box-press

Special size from a sampler tin

They bill this as a mild-medium smoke but, the one I had back in the summer months was pepperyyy! But, the palate was dry and all I had was a bottle of water. I remember the day well. It was a beautiful summer day with a crystal blue sky and I was driving to my summer place in Grindstone City. Let’s see how it reviews today.

Off the Light: Nice oak, light spice, dusty soil. As the smoke continues it does not change much. Tasty oak, soft white pepper, and dusty soil come together for a tasty blend.

The Pairing: these two work well with each other. The soft white pepper and oaky tone of the cigar adds some nice character to the wine with its juicy berries, smoky earthy tones and cocoa powder notes.

Second Half of the Cigar: the smooth delivery is still present along with the oak, soft white pepper and dusty soil.

The Pairing: the velvety smooth style of the wine just transfers this quality to the cigar. This pairing has an elegant mouthfeel.

My Strength Rating (cigar): 4 – I’ll have to go with the medium-mild call.

This was a very nice pairing. Worthy of having again.

Fausto Esteli Cigar and Black Star Farms 2008 Vintners Select: Pairing

2011-12-31T12:02:00.002-05:00

The Cigar

Fausto Esteli

Tatuaje Cigars

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Size: 5 x 54 (F124 )

$10.49 at Smoky’s of Livonia, Michigan

Off the Light: sweet maduro taste mixed with a rich soil earthy tone. As the smoke continues the spice picks up. The spice reminds me of pink peppercorn (sweet yet spicy) and a good dose of white pepper. The earthy tone is forest floor like with a mix of wood and soil. As the cigar approaches the mid-point there is a dark French roast coffee style that builds. I am going to give this cigar a 6.5 on my strength scale during the first half.

Second Half: as the burn enters the second half the body strength seems like a 6. During the half the strength rating fluctuated from a 6 to a 7 then back to a 6 toward the end of the first half. The spice is a dusty white pepper and the coffee note reminds me of an earthy coffee flavor.

During the last couple of inches of this cigar the spice and bitterness picks up a bit. A good beverage is needed at this point to manage the strength of the smoke.

My Strength Rating: 6.5 overall – an interesting rollercoaster ride of spicy notes on the first half that settled to a 6 strength rating for the main portion of the stick.

The Wine

2008 Vintners Select

Black Star Farms

Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA

Blackstarfarms.com

12% abv

$29.50 a bottle

Aroma: mixed dark berries with a nice touch of spice.

Flavors: to me blackberry jumps out front with a nice acidic touch, then throw in a dash of spice, a little smoky feel, and a bit of dark chocolate.

My Strength Rating: 5.5 – medium and just on the edge of medium-full.

Visit WinePostings2 for the full review

The Pairing

This was a tasty pairing. The blackberry note of the wine mingled well with the earthy coffee style of the cigar. The spicy notes of the cigar worked well the settle spice of the wine. And, of course the smoky feel of the wine let me know this wine would be a ringer to pair with a quality cigar.

Curivari Seleccion Privada Royales and St Bernardus Christmas Ale: Pairing

2011-12-25T10:30:00.001-05:00

The Beer

St Bernardus Christmas Ale

Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV.

Watou, Belgium

10% abv

75 cl bottle

$12.00 a bottle

Appearance: dark brown body with mahogany highlights shining through around the edges. Light tan head and it is easy to pour a two finger head.

Aroma: pouring the ale into the chalice I can smell some spicy notes. Dark bready yeast tones, raisin, brown spice mix,

Flavors: tasty brown spice box like quality, black bready tones, earthy yeast, dark fruits like raisins, sweet caramel malt undertone, spicy and tingling hops dance on the tongue,

Mouthfeel: fine carbonation gives the tongue a fizzy feel, the spice pinches the cheeks and gums, prickly and dry texture on the palate

My Strength Rating: 6.5 – the dark bready notes, brown spice box, and raisins along with the spice makes for a good medium-full bodied ale.

The Cigar

Curivari Seleccion Privada Royales

Curivari.com

The Seleccion Privada comes in three different sizes:

Robustos 5 x 50

Royales 5 x 54 I am reviewing this size

Diplomaticos: 6 ¼ x 54

The Curivari is a Nicaraguan Puro and is blended with Criollo and Corojo tobaccos.

Here is the description on the web site:

“Perfectly balanced, with medium body, this cigar has
a creamy smooth flavor profile, woody with a touch
of vanilla, and a sweet finish”

This sounds like it should pair well with this Christmas Ale but, I have to admit that ‘I’ don’t care for the accuracy (in-accuracy) of their descriptions of their cigars.

Off the Light: nice mild-medium forest floor like quality with some light soil, dry leafs, and wood. About three minutes into the smoking experience I start to notice a creamy smooth texture. On the first three minutes of the cigar I thought it was more smooth leather like. Now, a little sweet tobacco starts to swirl around the palate. I think I am going to call it vanilla-almond.

The cigar holds a light gray ash. The pic shows a one inch ash.

I think it is a good time to introduce the Christmas Ale.

The Pairing: an interesting combination. The ale has the dark fruit, dark bready yeast, and a spicy style and the cigar comes in with a mild-medium body with a slightly sweet vanilla-almond and light forest floor style. It is like the cigar refreshes the palate after sipping the ale. No, not ‘like’ it does refresh the palate. The ale has a prickly spicy texture and the cigar has a smooth creamy style. I guess this is the ying and the yang of this Christmas pairing. At first I did not know what to think about this pairing. It was a little too much ying vs. yang at first. Then, it started to grow on me.

Second Half: the light soil seems to becoming a little fuller and the wood is reminding me of a soft alder wood. The texture is smooth but, not as creamy as before. The almond nut note is still in the mix but, the vanilla is not as noticeable.

With only about an inch and a half left on the cigar the flavors are becoming a little more toasted. Toasted leafs, smoked wood, and roasted almond.

My Strength Rating (cigar): 4 – medium-mild flavors and body.

To the Point (cigar): a tasty medium-mild cigar. I am looking forward to smoking my second cigar that I purchased of this cigar.

The Pairing: the ying and yang experience is over at this point. The toasted notes of the cigar are mixing with the raisin and dark bready yeast notes of the ale. This is a very interesting pairing if you are paying attention.

Merry Chirstmas from Cigar Postings

La Flor Dominicana Air Bender Chisel and 2008 Leorie Vineyard

2011-12-24T12:05:00.003-05:00

The Cigar

La Flor Dominicana Air Bender Chisel

Wrapper: Habano

Binder/Filler: Dominican

Size: 6.5 x 54

$10.19 Smoky’s of Northville, Michigan

I don’t recall ever smoking a cigar with this chisel shape. When I bite on it, it reminds me of the plastic tips on those drug store cigars. I imagine that those guys who like the V-cut should like this shape.

Off the light the cigar displays a nice earthy style (dried leafs), a mild-medium coffee, and a touch of spice. I think the chisel shape does control the smoking experience like a V-cut would. Here on the first third of this cigar I think the chisel shape makes the smoke a little cooler, the amount of smoke is controlled of course, the overall body feel comes across milder so to say. I would guess with a normal round butt there would be more smoke thus more body. I am going to say the cigar is a 4 on my strength scale and that would place it in the mild-medium range.

Mid-Point: the earthy style still makes me think of dried leafs and soil, the coffee is medium bodied, and the spiciness is showing some green and black peppercorn like qualities.

Down the Stretch: The mouth feel seems fuller at this point in the smoking experience. The cigar has a good Habano spice quality. The earthy notes seem to be soil mixed with some oaky tones. There is some bittering to the taste at this point. I’ll have to give it a 5.5 on my strength scale here in the stretch.

My Strength Scale: 5 overall. Starts off mild-medium and builds to a solid medium through the mid and finish.

The Wine

I paired this Air Bender Chisel with a red wine. The wine is Black Star Farms 2008 Leorie Vineyard. It is a blend of: Merlot 76% and Cabernet Franc 24%. This is a Michigan wine from Suttons Bay.

Appearance: garnet body with a ruby edge.

Aroma: fresh red berries with a dusting of earth. Light overall.

Flavors: Red currant, plum, spice from the oak, cocoa powder, and black soil.

Visit WinePostings2 for the full review.

The Pairing

This was a very pleasing pairing. The spicy notes from the cigar played off the oak and spice qualities of the wine for a delicious experience. The earthy tones and the coffee note of the cigar mingled with the fruits of the wine to add some good body to the overall mouth feel of this pairing.

The cigar did not overpower the wine. The two seemed to work well together.

Curivari El Gran Rey Emperadores: Review

2011-12-17T13:28:00.000-05:00

Curivari.com

This Nicaraguan puro is made with Cuban seed Criollo and Corojo tobaccos. Here is the skinny according to their web site on the El Gran Rey: this ‘full-bodied cigar is rich and spicy, exquisitely balanced, with a core of sweet spices, caramel, honey and a long, complex finish.’

The El Gran Rey comes in three different sizes:

Emperadores 5 x 50 which I’ll be reviewing

Belicosos 5 3/8 x 52

Prominentes 6 ½ x 50

College Football Bowl Games start today.

Here are my picks for the games today.

Temple over Wyoming; Wyoming is going to need more than the 6-1/2 points.

Ohio over Utah State; Ohio is only getting 2-1/2 points but, I think they show up today to finish the game.

La.-Lafayette over San Diego State; I think the 5 point spread gets Lafayette the win.

I bought two of these Emperadores and I smoked one of them yesterday. Let’s see how it reviews today.

11:52 am

Off the Light: light soil and a hint of floral. As the smoke continues that hint of floral has a little perfumy taste. About four minutes into the smoke a touch of spice starts to appear. As the spice starts to develop some character it reminds me of green peppercorn. I am looking for the sweet notes that they used to describe this cigar and I don’t notice any yet (20 minutes into the smoke).

The cigar is holding a slightly ruff salt and pepper colored ash. The picture shows a ¾ inch ash. I removed the ash at the one inch point.

The floral note that I noticed, off the light of the cigar, seems to come and go. I am not getting that perfume note thank god. During this first half there is a nice rich soil and dry leafs that swirl around that green peppercorn spicy quality. I’ll have to give this a 5.5 on my strength scale.

Second Half: as the smoke enters the second half the floral note is a little more consistent but, it is not strong. One might make an argument for a roasted caramel note. It is so settle that I don’t think it is much of a factor. There is a toasted rye bread quality along with that soil, dry tobacco leaf, and that peppery style is reminding me of a dusty white pepper at this point. The strength rating is still in the medium range. I’ll give it a 5 on my strength scale.

My Strength Rating: 5 overall. Medium bodied at best.

To the Point: an okay smoking experience. I liked the second half better for I did not get that perfumy note as I did during the first inch or so.

CAO Italia Ciao: Review

2011-12-17T11:56:00.003-05:00

Wrapper: Honduran Habano-seed

Fillers: Nicaragua, Peru and Italy

Size: 5 x 56

Some of the tobaccos are grown in the Benevento region of Italy. When you think of Italy you think of fine wine – well now you can think of this fine cigar. Thinking about it – this should go well with a fine Italian Wine.

Now, this five pack of Italia’s is interesting in the fact that the wrapper is a brown color instead of the very dark brown/blackish like wrapper on the ones I have smoked in the past. I wonder how this will affect the flavor profile. I know with the La Gloria R Series Maduros that I do not like the stick that have a brownish look compared to the black color on the wrapper.

I just smoked two of these Ciao’s back to back and this cigar wass pretty consistent from start to finish. It has a rich sweet soil earthy style with a brown spice box quality and a mild coffee note. I have to say that I like this stick but, it is not what I remember an Italia to taste like.

I just looked at my last review of the Ciao and it sounds completely different than this one. Maybe the color of the Habano wrapper does have a big impact on the flavor profile.

Man O’ War Ruination Box-Press: Review

2011-12-10T12:01:00.001-05:00

Wrapper: Habano Ecuador ligero

Fillers: Nicaraguan and Honduran ligeros

Size: 5.5 x 52

Special size from their sampler tin

Off the Light: toasted tobacco and sweet wood. Then the spice hits on the 3^rd and 4^th puff. Full peppery spice. Pepper on the taste and more pepper on the finish.

Past that one inch mark a toasted oak and rich composted soil earthy tone mingles in with the peppery style. The peppery style did relax a bit here.

Late in the first half the toasted oak is still pleasing, the earthy tone is mixed with a medium roast coffee note. The peppery style tingles the palate and plays with the sinuses with each puff. The texture is soft wool like.

I smoked one of these, the other day, on the way up north to my summer place and the peppery style had me going crossed-eyed.

Second Half: the cigar seems to have mellowed a bit but, that is not saying much. The taste makes me think of earthy coffee and toasted grains. The oak seems to a bit smoother. Deep into the second half the toasted grains remind me of toasted rye bread with a dusting of white pepper on it. The texture is definitely wool like.

My Strength Rating: 6.5 – hearty and robust

CI Blend Lab YP-5754 Cigar and Black Star Farms 2008 Leorie Vineyard: Pairing

2011-12-03T10:35:00.002-05:00

The Wine

Black Star Farms 2008 Leorie Vineyard

Blend: Merlot 76% and Cabernet Franc 24%

Old Mission Peninsula

Black Star Farms

Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA

Blackstarfarms.com

13% abv

$45.00 a bottle

Opening the bottle has the heart beating a little fast because the cork has a lot of seepage and it looks like the wine has made it way to the top of the cork. The cork does have a wax topper. I smelled the cork and it does not smell bad and then a quick whiff from the bottle all seems well. (see cork at the bottom of this posting) I pour a little into a wine glass and it seems okay. No outstanding nasty taste. Okay, let’s set up to do the review.

Appearance: garnet body with a ruby edge.

Aroma: fresh red berries with a dusting of earth. Light overall.

Flavors: Red currant, plum, spice from the oak, cocoa powder, and black soil.

Mouthfeel: smooth on the delivery and then a bit jammy on the finish, lingering berries on the palate, full-medium body overall,

The Cigar

CI Blend Lab YP-5754

Cigars International web site recommends to pair this with a Port Wine but, I don’t have one and I already had this bottle selected for reviewing.

Wrapper: Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro

Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro

Fillers: Esteli Ligero, Condega Viso, Jalapa Ligero

Size: 5.75 x 54 Figurado

I smoked one the other week and enjoyed it so, let’s see how it reviews.

Off the Light: rich soil with a hint of spice in the back. As the smoke continues the spice starts to come through. The spice has a good black and green peppercorn likeness. The soil earthy tone seems to be mixed with a touch of hardwood. The draw is perfect and the mouthfeel is wool like.

The Pairing: the soil and black peppery spice quality of the cigar contrasts the smooth delivery, red berries, and black soil like qualities of the wine nicely. What I found interesting was the jammy mouth feel did not seem a full as when I had the wine by itself.

Mid-Point: as the smoke enteres the mid-section of the stick the bold black pepper profile seems to be settling. Now, it seems like the green peppercorn is still present, but a dusting of white musty peppercorn is in the mix. The rich soil and hardwood notes seem to be the main profile here in the mid-section compared to the black pepper in the first third. The mouthfeel is a little smoother than the first third.

The Pairing: with the earthy qualities of the cigar standing out here at the mid-point this seems to help to bring out the earthy notes of the wine. The oaky note and the hint of spice from the wine is a little more noticeable during this point of the experience. This has turned out to be a very good pairing.

Down the Stretch: Pretty much like the mid-section with a touch of a bitter note on the palate.

To the Point (cigar): a very good experience. Worth the 7 bucks.

Gerard Geneve Cigar: Review

2011-11-26T12:08:00.001-05:00

Steve mailed me this cigar

Size: 4.5 x 54 is my guess

I can’t find any information on this cigar.

Off the Light: light earthy tones of: toasted leafs and soft soil. Very smooth and mild-medium body here at the start.

As the smoking experience continues the toasted notes start to pick up in body strength. A dry coffee tone starts to develop.

As I finish the first half let me call it a dry (not a bad dry) earthy coffee profile. The only problem was it was not longer.

Second Half: as the burn entered the second half of the experience is a good medium bodied smoke that is smooth in its delivery. While the flavor profile seems simple it is very tasty and satisfying. Now, I am wishing I had a second one to pair with a tasty red wine.

The forest floor like quality of toasted leafs and soil makes for a good robust experience here in the final half. The medium roast coffee tone is still enjoyable.

Gurkha Ancient Warrior Vintage Presidente and Dark Horse Plead the 5th Imperial Stout Ale: Pairing

2011-11-19T12:07:00.029-05:00

The Ale

Dark Horse Plead the 5^th Imperial Stout Ale

Dark Horse Brewing Co.

Marshall, Michigan, USA

Darkhorsebrewing.com

Late Winter Seasonal

No dates on the bottle

Must be from last February

That’s when it’s released

Bottle Size: 12oz

Abv not available (darkhorsebrewing.com)

12% abv on beeradvocate

Appearance: black body with a ½ finger dark tan head, don’t forget to swirl the last inch of ale to mix in the sediment, looked thick on the pour, dark tan curtain with each sip, does not leave much on the glasses except some syrupy legs.

Aroma: dark roasted malts, coffee, dark chocolate, burnt sugars, not powerful but pleasing

Flavors: espresso with roasted molasses, dark chocolate character, bitter notes on the mid and finish but it does not stand out, these notes all come together for one tasty Imperial Stout.

Mouthfeel: thick, almost syrupy, silky slide, this is a sipper

My Strength Rating: 7.5/8 – a solid medium-full bodied stout, the dark roasted notes linger on the palate for a tasty aftertaste.

To the Point: A very good Imperial Stout, not overwhelming as some Imperial Stouts can be, has some solid flavors to sit back and enjoy.

The Cigar

Gurkha Ancient Warrior Vintage Presidente

Special Edition

Wrapper: Habano

Fillers: Dominican and Nicaraguan

Size: 8.5 x 52

I would be surprised if it was a 50 ring gauge

I got 10 sticks for $40 on CI

Normally $65 for 10

I have not seen this one in years. This was one of my favorite Gurkhas back in the day. I always had a good stash of these in the humidor and it was a favorite to pair with a quality red wine. Let’s see how it is now that they brought it back on the market.

Off the Light: earthy start, soil like; a delicate floral note evolves and a toasty sweet tobacco. Let’s see how it goes with this Imperial Stout.

The Pairing: after a few puffs on the cigar I introduce the Stout. The Stout has a smooth and syrupy style with a sweet creamy coffee finish. This is going to be one nice pairing.

I then rest the palate for a moment and then take a sip of the ale before taking a puff on this big stick and the cigar flavors are focused on the rich soil earthy tones and the toasted tobacco leaf quality.

Mid-Point: a good hardwood note develops (reminds me of hickory) with the rich mineral soil earthy tones, toasted sweet Russian bread, I have not noticed that delicate floral note since the first inch of the cigar, toasted tobacco leaf

The Pairing: As I said earlier that I use to enjoy this cigar with red wine, well I now think I’ll have to enjoy this stick with some Imperial Stouts. The earthy notes, tobacco leaf, and sweet Russian bread qualities of the cigar match up perfectly with the ales dark chocolate, espresso, and roasted molasses profile.

Down the Stretch: the smoke is still rich in its earthy and toasty tobacco style. The sweet bready note has stepped to the side and the overall smoking experience now is more roasted like.

The Pairing: truly, I don’t know if this can get any better.

Pinar del Rio Seleccion Toro and Vino Nobiledi Montepulciano 2003: Pairing

2011-11-12T11:50:00.001-05:00

The Wine

Vino Nobiledi Montepulciano 2003

Denominazione Di Origine Controllata Garantita

Capoverso

Siena, Italy

Vinicapoverso.com

Uswineimports.com

13.5% abv

Appearance: deep dark garnet with a little ruby around the rim.

Aroma: dark berry, the alcohol is happy that the cork is popped; later the aroma was dark berry and earthy, the alcohol got a chance to burn off, so to say.

Flavors: heavy on the dark berries, it reminds me of a mixed dark berry pie filling, there seems to be a little bit of an inky note, firm soil note,

Mouthfeel: leathery, dark berries cover the tongue,

My Strength Rating: 7.5 – medium-full feel from the thick berry profile and the earthy tones.

The Cigar

Pinar del Rio Seleccion Toro

Reserva Limitada

Wrapper: Dominican Habano

Binders: yes, two. Criollo ’98 and Brazilian Habano

Fillers: Jalapa & Esteli from Nicaragua, Dominican Criollo ’98 and Corojo, and Dominican Niegrita Canca Habano – I think they need one more type of tobacco to make this complete!

Size: 6 x 50

I have smoked a couple of these sticks in the past month and it seems to be a pretty good smoke overall. So, let’s do a review and a wine pairing with this one today.

Off the Light: nice mild-medium earthy tone that has a forest floor likeness. As the smoke continues there is a good spicy quality that develops. The earthy notes seem to build with each puff. The spicy notes remind me of ginger and white pepper.

The Pairing: boy this cigar makes this wine seem tame here on the first few sips. I think it is the spicy quality of the cigar that mellows the wine. The dark berry notes start to show up in the wine during the next few exchanges. The earthy styles of these two seem to complement each other.

Mid-Point: the mouthfeel seems leathery and the earthy notes dominate on the aftertaste. The forest floor character comes across as complex; mineral soil, toasted vegetation (toasted tobacco leaf), wood notes that remind me of a mixture of hardwood and some spicy cedar. Thinking of spice it now seems like a mixed pepper mill grind, a little white, green, and black pepper mix. At times I get that white pepper musty taste and then I get that coarse black pepper citrus bite.

I think I am enjoying this cigar more so than the ones that I just sat back smoked the other week. With that statement right there proves my point that ‘reviewing’ a cigar is completely different than just sitting back and smoking a stick. This is also true for wine and beer reviews that I do as well.

The Pairing: I think I enjoy drinking the wine first and then taking a few puffs of the cigar. I enjoy the flavors of the wine first and then the cigar complements the wine. When I would take a few puffs of the cigar and then sip the wine the cigar seemed to override the wines flavors.

Down the Stretch: a robust mixture of soil, dried leafs, and smoked hardwood. The mouthfeel is leathery and dry. This cigar does need a quality beverage. I think a quality pilsner or lager would be a good contrast to this robust smoking experience.

My Strength Rating (cigar): 8 – firm earthy tones with a complex spice profile.

To the Point: Don’t just smoke this stick – experience it – take your time and think of the flavors you experience.

Ave Marie Ark of the Covenant and Sirius Red: Pairing

2011-11-05T11:15:00.021-04:00

The Wine

Sirius Red

Grape Dessert Wine

Black Star Farms

Old Mission Peninsula

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Blackstarfarms.com

18% abv

375 ml bottle

$28.50

Appearance: deep dark burgundy with ruby highlights

Aroma: dusty baker’s chocolate powder, mixed nut shells, light earthy tone, slight alcohol scent

Flavors and Mouthfeel: almost syrupy, little dusty and slightly grainy feel to the mocha, spice from the alcohol so, it has a light peppery tone, slight medicinal feel also coming from the alcohol, black cherry, hint of anise and/or horehound, I think I like the idea of horehound here because it has a spicy style that is bittersweet and this wine has that style. Now, it all comes together, black cherry, horehound, alcohol with a slight medicinal feel – this sounds like the perfect cough drop lozenges.

My Strength Rating: 5.5 – a good medium body dessert wine.

To the Point: May not be for everyone. The slight medicinal style may be at issue; while I like it … my wife did not.

The Cigar

Ave Marie Ark of the Covenant

Short Gordo

Wrapper: Habano

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Size: 4.5 x 60

5 pack for $36.00

I did a review on this cigar yesterday to prepare for the pairing today but, today the experience is a little different. Yesterday (read full review – click here) the first half of the cigar was on the milder side with a very pleasing complex earthy quality. Today, right off the light it has a more medium body style and the oak flavor is right there front and center where yesterday the oak did not appear till I was past the halfway point on the stick. I have not smoked enough of these Ave Maries to know if it was something from the cigar or was it my palate.

So, let me deal with what I have today.

And, this Short Gordo has a good medium oaky tone with a firm walnut like quality here in the first inch of the cigar. This is my third Ave Marie Ark of the Covenant cigar that I have had and the first one tasted like this one and the one I did the review on yesterday had a different smoking experience (but, I liked it). Today, the first half of this cigar is a 5 on my strength scale.

Pairing this cigar with the port style dessert wine from Black Star Farms should work well. The oaky, nutty, and dusty earth style of the cigar should match well with the black cherry, dusty mocha, and spices of this dessert wine.

The first few exchanges confirm that this is going to be a good pairing. Both of these have this dusty, earthy thing going on. The oak from the cigar matched well with the black cherry and horehound like qualities in the wine. The flavors from the cigar and I think it is the dusty earth style that blankets the alcohol spice and helps to manage that slight medicinal feel of the dessert wine.

The second half of this cigar starts to move to a 6 rating on my strength scale. The oak is a little firmer, the earthy tone deepens, and the walnut note is more like ‘walnut shell’ than the nut (slightly bitter).

The Pairing: I enjoy the cigar to wine exchange more than tasting the wine first then the cigar exchange. The cigar first seems to manage the flavors of the wine. The black cherry and spice flavor comes thru more so with this exchange. Likewise, the cigar is slightly bitter toward the end here and the wine in return helps to manage this.

Overall, this was a good pairing to me.

Gurkha Beauty Cigar and Blue Water Cab Sauvignon and Franc '09

2011-10-30T22:17:00.000-04:00

The Wine

Blue Water Winery Cab Sauvignon and Franc

2009 Vintage

Blue Water Winery

Carsonville, Michigan, USA

North of Lexington and South of Port Sanilac

13.5% abv

$16.00 I think, damn I forgot to get the price list from them.

Bluewaterwinery.com

Appearance: Bright and shiny ruby color with a little watery edge on the rim. Lighter in color than I would expect but, this is a fairly new winery they have been around since 2004.

Aroma: fruity, cherry and raspberry like with a dusting of spice.

Flavors: very pleasing, sweet cherry, black raspberry, just a dash of pink peppercorn,

Mouthfeel: smooth, fresh, pleasing to the palate, clean aftertaste, tannins seem low, and the acidic level seems low. I would guess this one is not for aging.

My Strength Rating: 4 – a mild-medium Cab Blend.

To the Point: Okay, it is not going to make it with the big boys, yet. But, it is very enjoyable to drink. They have only been making wine for six or seven years now and I am looking forward to following their wines in the future.

I enjoyed it with a homemade pizza.

I think this will pair well with a good mild-medium bodied cigar and I have one in mind and I just reviewed it yesterday. So, let me grab a new one out of the humidor and let’s do a wine and cigar pairing.

The Cigar

Gurkha Beauty

Wrapper: Connecticut-seed – Ecuadorian

Binder: Dominican

Fillers: Nicaraguan

5 year old tobaccos

Size: 6.5 x 56 according to CI

Sure looks bigger. I just plucked a 60 ring gauge stick out of the humidor and it is the same size of this baby.

Gurkhacigars.com

I got a 10 pack for $50.00 from Cigars International.

This stick can be $20 or more.

This blonde beauty has one flaw – it has a heavy leaf vein right on the butt side.

Off the Light: nice smooth woodsy note right off the bat. The texture is smooth and almost creamy off the light. As the smoke continues I am going to pigeon hole the wood note to a mild oaky flavor. Late in the first third I am reminded of a meaty walnut taste. My Strength Rating 2/2.5

The Pairing: This cigar really adds some body to the wine. The cherry and raspberry notes feel a little fuller on the tongue. This is much better than I thought it would be.

Mid-Point: This is a pretty straight forward mild cigar with that oaky and walnut like taste. It is very enjoyable to smoke. And, it has an elegant style to the smoking experience. My Strength Rating at the mid-point: 2.5 – an elegant mild-medium smoke.

The Pairing: The oak and walnut like notes of the cigar complement the fresh berry notes of the wine. The hint of sweetness, from the wine, comes through during this pairing yet, the wines dry style is still pleasing.

Down the Stretch: the solid woody note continues with a dusty earth style as I smoke this ‘beauty’ down to the nub. That vein on the butt side did not become a factor. The texture continued to be smooth with a pleasing aftertaste. My Strength Rating on the finish: 3

The Pairing: I think the cigar helps to bring out the wines acidic nature – in a good way. Remember, I said that the wines acidic level seemed low when I reviewed the wine by itself. The mouthfeel from these two is definitely on the mild-medium side. The aftertaste is relatively clean and that means this would be a very good before dinner experience. I have to admit that I really like this pairing.

My Strength Rating for the Cigar: 2.5 – a great mild-medium smoking experience.

To the Point: for the right price this cigar is a must buy. I am a full to medium-full bodied fan but, as always I enjoy all ranges.

Pair this cigar with a mild-medium Pinot Noir, a mild Beaujolais Nouveau, or this should pair well with some good whites. With the third week of November heading our way keep an eye out for that Beaujolais and make a night of it.

Blend: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon,

35% Cabernet Franc

La Aurora 107 Toro: Review

2011-10-29T12:08:00.003-04:00

How will this stick measure up

Serie 107 Aniverario

This medium-full bodied cigar was crafted in honor of their 107 Anniversary.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sun-grown

Fillers: Nicaragua and Dominican Republic

Size: 5.5 x 54

Here on this College Football morning I am going to smoke this La Aurora cigar with a good cup of coffee from Higher Grounds Trading Company in Traverse City Michigan.

Off the Light: nice sweet tobacco and light dusty earth. As the smoke continues it settles to a good earthy tone of moss, mushroom, and light soil. There is a slight sweet tobacco finish that hits the back of the palate. The body weight is medium at best here at the start.

To me there is nothing like a great cup of coffee and a fine cigar. The profiles of these two (in general) products really match up well.

Mid-Point: the earthy tones seem to be the main profile. As the burn enters the mid-point a light cedary quality starts to swirl around the palate. The cedar adds a little ping or twang to the mouthfeel. Overall, the texture comes across as smooth and medium body. A pleasing medium body smoke for this morning.

People ask me, ‘What do like best with your cigar, a glass of wine or a beer?’ I have to say, a cup of coffee then, a bottle (Glass?) of wine and then the beer. A cup of coffee and a cigar does not take a lot of planning to match up. Think of the tasting notes for each: earthy tones, coffee, maybe some chocolate notes, sometimes nutty or spice might be on the scene. Don’t forget about the acidic nature. Also, the mouthfeel and texture seem to be comparable as well.

Down the Stretch: the feel of the cigar and the cup of coffee seem to be leaving a dusty earthy coating on the tongue. The flavor of the cigar still carries that earthy style with a touch of woodiness and a medium roast coffee tone at this point in the ball game. Thinking of ball game – football starts in a half an hour.

My Strength Rating: 5 – a solid medium bodied smoke overall. This cigar is billed as medium-full but, I don’t find that to be true to my palate.

To the Point: a worthy smoke, nothing special, nothing that complex, just a nice cigar to have in the morning or before a meal. I think I am going to pair this cigar with a Nut Brown Ale or a Gamay or Baco Noir Wine.

Pinar del Rio Oscuro Short Gordo: Review

2011-10-22T12:09:00.001-04:00

Liga Cubana No. 2

Wrapper: Brazilian Oscuro

Fillers: Dominican and Nicaraguan

Size: 4.5 x 60

$2.00 a stick

The wrapper has a big vein running through the length of the cigar wrapper. The maduro leaf has a nice sheen.

Off the Light: sweet soil here at the start. As the smoke continues there is a rich coffee with light cream tone and a low percentage dark chocolate say 50% type. The draw is a bit on the firm side of town. Come to think of it this is one heavy cigar, as in weight, I mean it weighs more than the Clasico (its brother cigar). It has to be twice the weight as that cigar. This just means puff real slow. Along the way I notice a nice pumpernickel bread like quality.

Yes, this is a slow burner. This cigar does not produce plumes of smoke. This is a cigar you can keep in your mouth and puff on and the smoke won’t get in your eyes.

Toward the end of the first half the cigar opened up. All of a sudden the amount of smoke just increased. The draw is still a bit firm. But, I like a slow smokin’ cigar.

Second Half: the coffee note is a deep dark roast at this point, the dark chocolate note is more bitter like than earlier, and there is a white and black pepper mill grind tang on the aftertaste.

The notes are more roasted at this point. Burnt, chard wood, scorched forest floor dominate during the final third of this cigar. You should be sitting down during this portion of the cigar. A good beverage is going to be needed and water won’t work.

This cigar is a slow burner. I don’t remember the first one smoking this way.

My Strength Rating: 8.5 – full roasted and burnt notes on the final third.

To the Point: if you are looking for a true full bodied cigar this is it.

Since I have done this review I have smoked another one and the draw was really good and so was the burn.

Gurkha Black Dragon Fury: Almost a Review

2011-10-16T11:18:00.001-04:00

I am not a Gurkha fan, they do have a few that I like, but I am looking forward to this little fat boy.

Off the Light: nice medium robust start, composted soil earthy tone. ¼ inch in there is a bad burning plastic smell and it is affecting the taste as well. Right when I said, boy is this going to be a very fine cigar to have with my coffee – this plastic aroma and taste shows up.

The worst of it is over – it lasted several puffs – I hope this is not part of the profile of this cigar. Hopefully, it was a mistake. The taste is settling down but, I am going to scrub this review right here for I think it may affect the rest of this stick.

I’ll kick back and do some reading on today’s NFL football match-ups.

Look for a fresh review of this stick coming soon.

Pinar del Rio Habano Sun Grown and Arcturos 2008 Cabernet Franc: Review

2011-10-15T11:58:00.001-04:00

The Cigar

Pinar del Rio Habano Sun Grown

Liga Cubana No. 5

Wrapper: Dominican Republic Habano Sun Grown

Binder: Criollo ’98 from Dom.

Fillers: Nicaraguan and Dom. Rep.

Size: 4.5 x 60

Beverage: Water – when I first tried to review this cigar

Off the Light: Nice earthy tone on the first two puffs and then Wham SPICE! A blast of peppery spice just dominates the palate for the next ½ an inch.

As the smoke continues the peppery spice is still full and the earthy tones are heavy. I am going to give it an 8 on my strength rating scale here on the first half.

Late in the first half the peppery spice starts to calm down and the roasted earthy tones are a little more in control of the show.

Second Half: well, that crack in the butt (on the cigar!) became a big problem. As you can see by the picture it exploded. Hell, I’ll smoke it. I’ll smoke another one later and add any updates.

The earthy tones are full and abundant. Woody, rich soil … okay I give up this is just fallen apart too much.

A few weeks later >

Okay, I am ready to go again with this cigar. I have a fresh one with no cracks.

I am drinking a Cabernet Franc Wine from Black Star Farms with this cigar to re-due this review.

This time I did not get that big blast of spice off the light. Maybe drinking this wine played a role. I’ll bet it did for the earthy tones and the peppery spice of the cigar seem a little more under control during the first half of the smoke.

The cigar has a nice medium-full roasted earthy coffee tone during this wine pairing. The strength rating seems closer to a 7 this time around. I don’t know if this inconsistency is from the beverage pairing or the cigar itself (I have not smoked enough of brand to know that) or is it just me and my palate. Whatever it is I do like this pairing.

The Second Half of the Cigar:

I am at the point where I had abandoned the first cigar that I smoked. There is a good medium-full earthy tone (rich forest floor like) here and I am starting to notice that woody note just like last time. It seems like a cedary spice taste.

The Pairing: These two are meant for each other. The cigar makes the body of the wine seem a touch fuller and that is a good thing. The blackberry profile of the wine is just as tasty as can be. The mineral soil note of the wine comingles with the rich forest floor tones of the cigar. The spicy tendencies of each match up well for a pleasing taste on the palate.

I do recommend a glass of water with this pairing for the mouthfeel is jammy during this session. The flavors just coat the palate and a good refresher is needed.

My Strength Rating: 7 – on the second cigar reviewed while drinking the glass of wine.

The Wine

Arcturos 2008 Cabernet Franc

Black Star Farms

Old Mission Peninsula

Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA

Blackstarfarms.com

12% abv

$29.50 a bottle

Visit WinePostings for the full review

Aroma: blackberry, soil earthiness, little smoky. Overall, a nice little nose.

Flavors: tasty blackberry, spice, mineral soil, smoky with a hint of oak on the finish (toasted oak).

Mouthfeel: thick, close to the jammy side, tannins and acidity while present were under control, lingering dark berries that just coat the old teeth and gums.

La Estrella Cubana and CEV Gamay Noir 2008: Pairing

2011-10-08T11:56:00.000-04:00

The Wine

CEV Gamay Noir 2008

Colio Estate Vineyards

Harrow, Ontario, Canada

Lake Erie North Shore

Coliowinery.com

12.1% abv

$14.00 a bottle Canadian

100% Gamay Noir

This Gamay has a good cedar spice along with a hint of cherry and currant berries on the nose. There is a nice earthy tone mixed in there as well. The flavors combine for a tasty Ontario wine. The cedar flavors follow and remind me of a cedar cigar box smell. There is a firm dark berry presence mingled with a green peppercorn spice and rich soil.

While the wine starts off a little slow it does become a little fuller when it opens up. The dark berries, earth, and spice seem to linger for a long while on the palate.

Read WinePostings for the full review.

The Cigar and Pairing

La Estrella Cubana

Wrapper: Costa Rica Maduro

Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan

Size: 5 x 50

My Strength Rating: 6.5

Off the Light: an earthy dark roasted coffee profile here at the start.

The Pairing: this cigar really seems to bring out the earthy style of this Gamay Noir. The cedar note seems hard to detect within the wine. The spice is still there but not as strong.

As the cigar continues during the first half the earthy style of rich soil seems to be the main profile mixing it up with a strong but smooth dark roasted coffee and toasted grains.

Mid-Point: the coffee note becomes slightly bitter; the earthy style is still at work, and the aftertaste has a slight burnt feel.

The Pairing: the slightly heavier feel of the cigar makes the mouthfeel of the wine a little thicker and jammy like. The dark berry notes pick up now and then but, the earthy style is still dominant. The wine seems to manage the burnt grainy aftertaste of the cigar.

Down the Stretch: the slight bitter note has faded making the dark roasted coffee note a little smoother. Along with the soil earthy tone there is a firm cedar note appearing here at the top of the stretch. The burnt grainy aftertaste at the mid-point has been replaced with a touch of spice on the finish.

The Pairing: This Gamay Noir has held up well with this cigar. This is a good medium-full pairing that I have found enjoyable.

AVO Heritage Robusto: Review

2011-10-04T11:56:00.002-04:00

AVO Heritage Series

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sun-grown

Filler: Dominican

Size: 4.9 x 50

$8.50 a stick here in Michigan

Purchased at Trader Tom’s now Smoky’s of Northville

I am enjoying this cigar with a chalice of Piraat Ale.

Pre-light: light barnyard and the wrapper is a bit peppery on the

Off the Light: firm soil earthy tone mixed with pinch of spice. That spice is clearly reminds me of black pepper (coarse grind) as the smoke continues past the initial light. I think this cigar should go well with a great steak because of that black pepper and there is a little salt here in the mix as well.

The Piraat ale defiantly helps to balance this full bodied smoke.

Around that .9 point of the cigar the black pepper and salt start to settle down. I don’t notice the salt at all. The dark rich soil starts to build and mixes with a fine grind black pepper like character. The texture during this first third is wool like. Let me call it an 8/8.5 on my strength scale because of the peppery style.

Mid-Point: the dark rich soil continues with a good dash of fine grind black pepper, a bit of wood, toasted marble bread (rye and pumpernickel) and the texture starts to smooth out from the opening wool like quality. Let me call it leathery on the mouthfeel. I am going with a 7/7.5 for the mid-section.

Down the Stretch: roasted forest floor notes of rich soil, wood, and leafs; musty white pepper takes over from the dash of black pepper. While the delivery is semi-smooth the body is full. Lingering earthy tones cover the palate. This was one fine smoking experience right down to the nub.

Gurkha Empire Series I: Review

2011-10-01T11:52:00.007-04:00

Wrapper: Honduran Habano

Fillers: ligeros fillers from Nicaragua and Peru

Size: 5.5 x 52

Sweet, earthy, touch of pepper

Back on March 22 of 2010 I did a fun review of the Gurkha Empire Series in my March Matching format. I paired each of the cigars in this line-up with an Ale (Petrus Gouden) and the idea was to see which cigar paired up the best with this Ale. See March Matching Post.

Since then, a year later, I still had some of these cigars left from that writing and I started to write a full review on each.

(click on the name below to see posting)

So, I am finally finishing this line-up.

Off the Light: How funny is this – it is plugged up. The draw is as tight as can be. The same reason it got kicked out of the final round of the March Matching Contest. In the first round I had a plugged one and I had to get a second one to smoke. (Obviously a construction problem with that batch) The draw has opened up a bit, it is still firm, but not as the first ¼ inch. This is draw where you have to puff so much to get any smoke that you miss the actual flavor experience and you get a head ache.

Pass that ¼ inch mark I start to notice a mild-medium earthy style and a touch of sweet tobacco. I am trying to remind myself to puff at a slower rate to work with this very firm draw. The best I can tell the smoke is a 4 on my strength scale.

Well, I am going to break this down into halves instead of thirds. There is not much going on here except the draw. And, because of the draw this is burning really slow. I hope I don’t fall asleep before the halfway point.

Second Half: finally got there. A pretty simple cigar. A nice earthy style. I could even call it earthy coffee style. Other than that nothing else. The draw is still a little firm not as bad as the first half.

My Strength Rating: 4

To the Point: I know I will never buy another one. 3 out of 4 cigars plugged. Do I need to say more.

Pinar del Rio Clasico Gordo: Review

2011-09-27T11:56:00.000-04:00

Clasico Exclusivo

Wrapper: Connecticut Shade from Ecuador

Fillers: Nicaraguan and Dominican

Size: 4.5 x 60

I bought this sampler pack of this small Gordo size when CI had them on special (15 for 30 bucks). I have never had this lineup before so it sounded like a good deal. A week after getting them I sampled each type of wrapper; the Connecticut Shade, Habano Sun Grown, and the Oscuro. I have to admit that I liked each one that I tried. Now, it is review time.

This size is not in the regular offerings, I’ll have to measure, but I think it is a 4.5 x 60 stick.

Off the light: good oak quality and dry leafs. As the burn continues there is a dry roasted coffee note that is mild-medium. There is ample smoke with each puff that seems smooth in its delivery. The oak profile is front and center during this first half. You could make the argument for a toasted almond and walnut blended note. To me there seems to be a light rye bread quality.

This cigar reminds me of one of my favorite oaky type cigars the Hoyo Excalibur #1.

Second Half: The oak profile remains front and center. The earthy note reminds me of dry leafs and grains. The mild-medium coffee is still swirling around. The delivery is still smooth yet dry in texture. I smoked this one down to the nub and the notes never became bitter or burnt.

My Strength Rating: 5 – a firm medium bodied smoke. The oaky quality really comes through.

To the Point: if you like medium bodied smokes this is a must try. The cigar is not complex but, is an enjoyable smoke.

I would like to pair this with an oaked Chardonnay, try it with an IPA or a bold red wine. I don’t think I have paired an IPA with an oaky style cigar before. I recommend a cigar that is earthy in profile and if you can get a hint of floral in the mix even better. I just wonder how the oak would mingle with a citrusy IPA.

Look for the reviews on the other two

Gurkha Empire Series II and Kuhnhenn 4D: Pairing

2011-09-24T11:20:00.000-04:00

The Ale

Kuhnhenn 4D

4^th D Olde Ale 2010

Fourth Dementia

13.5% abv

12 oz bottle

Kuhnhenn Brewing Company

Warren, Michigan, USA

I bought a four pack of this ale and I have had two bottles (about a month ago) before reviewing this ale. From what I remember is that it is rich, sweet and still has a nice bitter note. For me I have to be in the mood for this ale. Tonight I am in the mood. Let’s review!

Appearance: deep mahogany, poured a one finger tan head that disappeared quickly. No lacing.

Aroma: rich caramel and sweet malts dominate

Flavors: the rich caramel carry over with roasted toffee, rich sweet notes abound, hint of toasted vanilla and oak. With each sip the rich toasted sweetness on the nose is enjoyable. Be careful drinking this ale for the alcohol taste is not present and it is 13.5%. It is a sipper but, it’s easy to forget that. There are some nice bitter notes from the hops on the back of the palate.

Mouthfeel: semi-creamy, smooth, hardly any carbonation, full bodied, a bit syrupy.

The Cigar

Gurkha Empire Series II

Wrapper: dark Connecticut

Fillers: 6 year old Dominican ligeros

Size: 5.5 x 52

I have smoked this cigar before and it is just an okay smoke. But, I think its simple style should match well with this bold ale. I have had this cigar in the humidor for over a year now, so let’s see if it has improved.

Off the Light: light soil earthy tones. As the smoke continues it is the light earthy tones that dominate. There is a hint of sweet cedar.

The ale dominates this cigar at this point. Don’t get me wrong this is not all that bad. This cigar is fairly simple with its earthy style. I think that is what this ale needs when being paired. This cigar would also be good with an IPA.

Mid-Point: the light earthy tone continues with a woody note that seems like plywood. This cigar is truly boring.

The sweetness from the ale needs this cigars straight forward and simple style. But, I feel like I should find a cigar with some flavor. There is nothing to write about here.

Down the Stretch: wake me up when I finish this cigar. Good thing I am drinking an interesting ale.

My Strength Rating: 4 – with the boredom it should be a 0. Did they forget to put the ligero tobaccos in this stick? I did not find any spice worth mentioning.

I found this cigar boring one year ago and it is still the same. Damn, I am glad that this is the last one.

One way to make a rather boring cigar interesting is pair it with something that has a lot of style and this is the ale to do just that. This ale seems to help this cigar but this cigar can’t help but be boring.

Will someone carry me to bed? This cigar put me to sleep.

This ale deserves better.

La Flor Dominicana DL 700 and Clos de los Siete: Pairing

2011-09-20T11:52:00.005-04:00

The Wine

Clos de los Siete

Clos de los Siete Winery

Mendoza, Argentina

By Michel Rolland

14.6% abv

$35.00 at A Matter of Taste Restaurant

Blend: 56% Malbec, 21% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Syrah, 2% Petit Verdot

I had a glass and a half at the restaurant and brought the rest home to sit back to do a review and then smoke a fine stogie with it.

Appearance: deep dark garnet, this is pretty close to black with a purple edge.

Aroma: very dense dark currant note, smoky, it smells like the dark chocolate with berries in it, earthy – mineral soil like

Flavors: heavy soil earthy tone, dark berry concentrate, 90+% dark chocolate that covers the palate, bold and intense.

Mouthfeel: thick and very dry on the palate, tart, earthy, the dry finish reminds me of 95% dark chocolate, leathery texture, lingering aftertaste

You can feel this wine just clinging to your teeth and gums.

My Strength Rating: 8.5 – this full bodied blend is hearty. It deserves a big steak. I think I’ll make plans for that one day.

The Cigar

La Flor Dominicana DL 700

Double Ligero

Laflordominicana.com

A very good web site to visit

Wrapper: Dark Ecuadorian Sun Grown

Binder: Dominican

Filler: Dominican

Size: 6.5 x 60

$10.00 Smoky’s in Northville, Michigan

Their web site warns you to eat before smoking this cigar.

I have never had this cigar before so, I do not know what I am getting into here. This cigar just looked good and oily and strong. That is what this wine needs for a good pairing.

This Sun Grown wrapper has a beautiful sheen to the tobacco leaf. It looks rugged yet rich. The vein is the tobacco leaf and the color is just like art work or one expensive leather sofa.

Off the Light: Oh yes, this is a double ligeros. Rich soil earthy tone with a bit of spice and I can tell this is just the beginning. Of course I just lit the cigar. No just the beginning of the spice.

As the smoke continues the texture is leathery and the body weight on the full-medium side. I am thinking 7.5 or 8 on my strength scale and I am just a half an inch into this baby. I’ll bet it gets fuller from here!

The spice seems to be in play more on the finish and aftertaste. A medium coarse black peppercorn like quality. The rich soil continues and there is a strong dark roast coffee note.

Now, I could not pass the smoke through the sinuses so, is this cigar going to be that strong of is it that I tried to inhale the dipping bread that I had before dinner.

Mid-Point: strong dark roast coffee, rich mineral soil, hardwood, and spice. The cigar has a strong mouthfeel with a leathery texture and a lingering aftertaste. The black pepper seems to build on the aftertaste. I’ll go to 8.5 on my strength scale.

The Pairing: I just introduced the wine as I entered the mid-point of the cigar. Wow, this cigar makes this wine seem … medium bodied. This is a full bodied wine and this cigar is controlling this wine. This is like two heavy weights in battle.

The earthy tones match up well. The dark berries and dark chocolate of the wine pair up well with the dark roasted coffee and hardwood notes of the cigar. This is a full bodied experience.

Down the Stretch: Just when I thought the cigar was starting to mellow on the last few puffs … Wham … the spice kicked in. The smoke is now an earthy coffee profile with some robust roasted notes and charred hardwood. The body weight is heavy. Let me call it a 9 on my strength scale.

The Pairing: I needed a few sips of the wine to control the heavy smoke of the cigar. This is a strong earthy pairing. I recommend a glass, no gallon, of water to go along with this pairing.

I had some burning issues where I had to continually correct the burn of the cigar. Since this cigar has such an oily wrapper I recommend dry boxing the cigar a day or two before smoking.

I have not done a cigar review in a month. What a cigar to choose to get back in the swing of things.

Rocky Patel Renaissance Robusto and Robert Mondavi 2009 Meritage: Pairing

2011-09-17T11:13:00.000-04:00

The Wine

Robert Mondavi 2009 Meritage

Private Selection

13.5% abv

Blend: 41% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon,

11% Petit Verdot, 10% Malbec, 3% Cab. Franc

Vinted & Bottled by: Robert Mondavi

Woodbridge, California, USA

rmprivateselection.com

$10.00 a bottle

I bought this bottle at the fundraiser for Waggin’ Tails Dog Rescue

Appearance: deep purple with a nice purple edge

Aroma: mixed dark berries with a slight spice

Flavors: spice is right up front, touch of black pepper, hint of blackberry with a dose of boysenberry, there is a slight watery edge that hits the palate. Once the wine opens a bit there is just a touch of mocha and a hint of coffee and I am going to add a note of Michigan Cherry.

Mouthfeel: smooth; dark berries dance on the tongue; feels a bit thin at first but fills in a little if you get it to breath.

My Strength Rating: 4.5 – I was going to do a 4 but, the lingering berry notes said 4.5.

To the Point: a nice medium bodied Meritage. Not the most complex wine, a bit thin at first and then fills in a little as it breathes. For $10.00 a bottle it is a good party wine or a good introductory wine for the newbie.

The Cigar

Rocky Patel Renaissance Robusto

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra

Binder: Honduran

Fillers: Honduran

Size: 5 x 50

$7.00 a stick

Off the Light: tasty roasted grains, a bit of mild coffee, and a hint of 60% type dark chocolate. The cigar has a nice firm gray looking ash.

Mid-Point: good mild-medium roasted grains, the mild coffee continues but, I don’t notice any dark chocolate since those first few puffs on the first inch; there seems to be a nice soil earthy tone settling in.

As the burn passes the halfway mark there are some spice notes on the finish. There seems to be no burning issues.

Mouthfeel is Rocky Patel smooth and medium in body. There is a dry soil earth note that lingers on the palate.

Down the Stretch: nice roasted grains and mild coffee continue to please the palate. A touch of dried brown spice and a hint of pink peppercorn enters the picture.

My Strength Rating: 5

To the Point: a very pleasing smoking experience. A solid medium bodied smoke. This is my first Rocky Patel Renaissance and I would buy another.

The Pairing

This is a nice pairing. The cigar actually helps this wine. The earthy notes and roasted grains of the cigar help to perk up the body of this wine so the wine feels a little fuller. After a few puffs of the cigar the wine refreshes the palate. I enjoy this wine more so with the cigar than by itself.

Both the wine and the cigar are medium in body. Both seem to be short of being complex. Both are tasty, enjoyable, and budget friendly.

Graycliff Profesionale Series Robusto: Review

2011-09-13T11:49:00.000-04:00

Blue Label

Wrapper: Indonesian

Binder: Indonesian

Fillers: Brazil, Nicaragua, and Honduras

Size: 5.2 x 50

$ around 16: I got it as a freebie with my purchase awhile back

Beverage: Bigbby Costa Rica Blend

Off the Light: Lightly buttered wheat bread toast, mild start. As the smoke continued there was slight almond and peanut like quality. I’ll give it a 4 on my strength scale

Mid-Point: as the smoking experience entered into the mid-point the body started to build a little. Toasted grains, light soil earthiness, and mild coffee. Right when I was thinking about ‘no spice,’ then the next few puffs … spice. Seemed like fennel. Now, I can add cedar. The cedar didn’t hit me till the middle of the cigar. It started off with a sweet cedar and changed to a firm cedar. The cigar is medium at best in the mid-section. I’ll give it a 5 on my strength scale.

The texture has been smooth through this point. The aftertaste is like a dusting of a fine grind black pepper.

Down the Stretch: the toasted grains and soil like earthy notes build slightly as the cigar enters the final third. The firm cedar note is still present.

As the final third continues the mouthfeel becomes more dry and leathery in texture. The cedar note takes front seat on the finish.

My Strength Rating: 5 – mild start and builds to a 5.5 on the finish.

Ashton VSG Enchantment and Gulden Draak Vintage 2009: Pairing

2011-09-10T11:52:00.000-04:00

The Ale

Gulden Draak 2009

Vintage Ale 2009

7.5% abv

750ml bottle

$13.99 a bottle

Br.Van Steenberge

Belgium

Appearance: rich caramel with a slight reddish tint. Big bubbly tan head.

Flavors:after the fizz explosion that hits the mouth, there is a rich malt sweetness of caramel, toasted grain, and a hoppy spice and bitter note.

Mouthfeel: tons of carbonation, Champagne effervescent like, cola like feel, semi-dry texture that lingers on the palate.

It is not like the regular Gulden Draak. See my posting on Nov. 22, 2010. It does have a few of the tasting notes but, missing some of the others. It also looks different. The 2009 vintage is not as rich tasting and lacks that creamy feel of the regular.

My Strength Rating: 6

The Cigar

Ashton VSG Enchantment

Wrapper: Virgin Sun Grown Ecuador from the Oliva family

Binder and Fillers: Dominican Republic 4 to 5 year old tobaccos from Carlos Fuente Jr. grown exclusively for Ashton.

Size: 4.38 x 60 Perfecto

Source: Ashtoncigar.com

$15.99 in Michigan

Off the Light: oh yes, VSG spiciness hits me on the first puff. The spice reminds me of a coarse black pepper with its citrus bitter bite and a fine grind black pepper the kind that makes you sneeze. And I did sneeze a few times. The texture is dry.

This is one spicy pairing. The cigar is really bringing out the spiciness in this ale but, the high level of carbonation is there to help replenish the palate.

Mid-Point: This is why we love our VSG’s … the VSG spice. Bold spiciness and dry earthiness is the main profile.

The ales effervescence helps to control the bold strength of the cigar.

Down the Stretch: this cigar is pretty consistent throughout with the VSG spice profile. It is not a very complex smoke with its spice and earthy quality. But, VSG fans buy this for one reason and that is the spicy profile.

To the Point: for the price I would rather smoke the Spellbound or Wizard. But, if time is the issue this is an hour plus smoke where the other two will last 2 hours.

My Strength Rating: 7.5 during this pairing

I don’t think I would pair these two together. The cigar seems to magnify the spice and bitter notes of the ale. It was hard to pick up any of the malty notes during this pairing. I would like to pair it with the regular Gulden Draak.

Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial and Ovila Dubbel: Pairing

2011-09-06T12:56:00.000-04:00

The Ale

Ovila Dubbel

7.5% abv

1pt 9.4oz bottle

$12.99

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Chico, California, USA

SierraNevada.com

“A collaboration between Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and the monks at the Abbey of New Clairvaux…”

Appearance: caramel brown body with a fine fluffy tan head that has some good staying power.

Aroma: fairly light with sweet malty notes and a touch of dark dried fruits. The bottle says, “The aroma is heady and layered mix of fruit and spice with hints of clove and black pepper …” No spices to me. Maybe when the ale warms up?

Flavors: Nice malty character without being overly sweet. The dark dried fruits follow. Not complex nor does it have that wow factor but, it is a very pleasing Abbey Ale to drink.

Mouthfeel: light in body, fine fizzy carbonation, a touch of dried fruit lingering on the palate. I expected more.

My Strength Rating: 2.5 – nice mild Abbey Dubbel Ale.

The Cigar

Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial

Jaime (Hi-may)

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro

Binder: Nicaraguan

Fillers: Nicaraguan

Size: 6 x 54

$8.30 a stick in Michigan

I have never had this cigar before. Tony from Smokey’s in Northville said this would be a full bodied smoke. Let’s see.

Smokey’s is in the former Trader Tom’s location in Northville, Michigan. If you are ever in the area stop on by.

Off the Light: nice light soil on the first two puffs and then the black pepper spice hits the sinuses and then the palate. Wow, heavy dose of black pepper. Don’t pass the smoke through the sinuses it is brutal. If there any other types of flavors they are underneath this heavy dose of black pepper. I don’t know if I will be able to smell anything the rest of the day. Let me give this a 10 on my strength scale.

The Pairing: The ale with its zippy carbonation sure helps to refresh the palate after a few puffs of the cigar. I don’t think this cigar is helping the ale in any way. It is hard to notice any flavors in the ale during this pairing.

Mid-Point: The black pepper style is still present. It may not be as strong as the first third but, it is still on the full side of town. There is a good earthy mineral soil quality to the smoke and a strong dark roast coffee note is starting to show up. I am going to give it a 9 on my strength scale.

The Pairing: this cigar is too powerful for this mild ale. The only thing good about this pairing is that the ale refreshes the palate from this strong peppery cigar. The ale is only a 7.5% abv but, it is feeling like a 12% right now with this cigar – my head is spinning. I don’t know if I should stand up at this point.

I think this cigar may be good to pair with my old favorite Piraat Ale or a spicy Cabernet Franc red wine.

Down the Stretch: the dark roast coffee and mineral soil seem to be the main profile at this point. The spicy black pepper is still in the mix but not as strong as the beginning. I go with an 8 strength rating here at the top of the stretch.

The Pairing: this cigar is still overpowering the ale. It is hard to notice any flavors from the ale during this pairing. This ale would be better paired with a mild or mild-medium Cameroon wrapped cigar like a Hemingway.

Ashton VSG Spellbound and Darioush 2008 Shiraz: Pairing

2011-09-03T11:28:00.000-04:00

The Wine

$100.00 Pairing

The cigar is just as big as the bottle

Darioush 2008 Shiraz

Napa Valley

Darioush, Inc

Napa, California, USA

Darioush.com

$80.00 The Fine Wine Source

It has been a few years since I have had Darioush Cab. Sauv. and that was a great bottle of wine. So, when I saw the bottle I had to check it out. I have never had their Shiraz – let’s give it a try.

Appearance: rich ruby

Aroma: blueberry, plum, fairly light soil

Flavors: lots of dark berries and fruit. Not picking up any spice but, this is the first glass and I did not decant this glass. Picking up a hint of caramel and a touch of vanilla as I near the end of the first glass. There is a soft soil note starting to appear. When the wine has not been decanted it comes across like a Pinot.

Mouthfeel: warm alcohol spice on the back of the palate.

My Strength Rating: 6

Time for the second glass (been decanted)

Aroma: Ah, there is that Shiraz spicy nose. There is blueberry and dark current on the nose with a good splash of sweet spice and a very light peppery note. This makes me think of pink peppercorn mixed with allspice. Seems a bit leathery on the nose. While the notes are pleasing it does not come across as big or bold.

Flavors: Yes, much better. Rich boysenberry with a splash of ripe blackberry greets the palate. Dark rich soil, touch of vanilla bean, and a very pleasing Shiraz spice quality.

Mouthfeel: light peppery and alcohol spice on the finish. Starts to get jammy on the teeth and gums. Thick dark berries just coat the palate. Sumptuous is the word for the overall mouthfeel of this tasty Shiraz. The tannins and acidity seem to be well under control here.

My Strength Rating: 7.5 – nice jammy texture follows some rich and complex flavors.

To the Point: is it worth the 80 dollar price tag? Sure. Can you find a 40 or 50 dollar bottle that is just as good? Sure. But, this Darioush Shiraz is ‘sumptuous.’

This bottle should be good to age for years to come. Well, not this bottle for I am halfway through it. I am going to buy two more to age. I can’t wait to see how it ages and compare the tasting notes.

The Cigar

Ashton VSG Spellbound

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sun Grown

Fillers: Dominican

Size: 7.5 x 54

Ashtoncigar.com

$18.99 a stick

Oh, my old favorite out of the VSG lineup. I have not had a Spellbound in years. I have not seen them at the old Trader Tom’s store in a very long time. Now that Smokey’s has bought the Trader Tom’s location in Northville the VSG Spellbounds are back.

The one thing I like about this big stick is that it is much smoother in texture compared to the smaller VSGs.

Appearance: This is the roughest looking Spellbound I have ever seen. It usually has a square boxed pressed shape but, this seems oval in sections and uneven on the edges.

Off the Light: touch of earth and then the second puff VSG spice. Yes, this is the VSG Spellbound that I remember – smooth yet spicy.

I think I have been smoking this stick for a half an hour already and I am not done with the first third.

Mid-Point: I should have used white out to mark the first third and second third points on this cigar. Tasting notes of: mineral rich soil, nice pepper mill notes, I like the dusting of white peppercorn, dry coffee bean, and a good hardwood quality (oak like).

This cigar holds a firm salt and pepper colored ash. The burn has been perfect all the way through.

Just a little past one hour and I am finally at the halfway point.

Down the Stretch: This is the Kentucky Derby of cigars. The best 2 hour smoking experience. After one hour and twenty five minutes I think I am finally in the last third of this cigar.

The notes become a bit toastier and slightly burnt. The rich soil note has changed to a burnt forest floor. The pepper mill mix has evolved into a dusty spice. The mouthfeel is a good seven, even pushing an eight, on my strength scale. The wine really helps to keep the final few inches of this cigar under control. And, I smoked this big baby down to the nub and I did not want it to end. Sadness overcomes me on the last two puffs.

My Strength Rating: 6.5 – This bigger stick is not as warm or spicy as the smaller VSG cigars.

To the Point: I still love this stick. I will be buying more … soon!

The Pairing

After I finished the second glass I ran to the humidor to get this VSG. Not only is the wine sumptuous but this pairing follows suit. The cigar seems to bring out a sweet caramel and vanilla quality in the Shiraz. The earthy and woody notes of the cigar mingle well with the rich soil and ripe dark berries of the wine.

The overall mouthfeel of this pairing is tantalizing, rich, smooth, and luxurious.

Punch Gran Puro Sesenta and Bear Republic XP Pale Ale: Pairing

2011-09-01T11:48:00.000-04:00

The Cigar

Punch Gran Puro Sesenta

Honduran Puro

Wrapper from San Agustin Valley

With sungrown binder and filler tobaccos

Size: 6.2 x 60

$8.25 in Michigan

Off the Light: Nice dose of peppery spice and hardwood. As the smoke continued the peppery spice settled and earth notes dominated.

Mid-Point: nice soil earthy tones, classic tobacco quality smoking experience. Damn, I just like a quality ‘old school’ style smoke once and a while. I guess that is why I like this big boy.

Down the Stretch: the earthy tones are still the main profile. There seems to be a bit of spice coming onto the scene at the top of the stretch. Like a dusty brown spice with a touch of musty white pepper.

As the cigar nears the finish line the earthy tones are hearty, there is a slight bitterness and there is a dusting of white pepper.

My Strength Rating: 6

The Ale

Bear Republic XP Pale Ale

5.5% abv

1pt 6oz bottle

$5.50 a bottle

Bear Republic Brewing Co.

Healdsburg, California, USA

Bearrepublic.com

Appearance: a shiny golden copper tone with nice clarity and an off white foamy head that leaves plenty of lacing on the glass.

Aroma: faint nose, yeasty yes, otherwise it is uneventful.

Flavors: flavors seem light and hard to distinguish. Notes of grains, grassy hops, slight bitterness, good earthy quality and the malts must be doing their job for the ale seems balanced. A strange one to review. Let me just enjoy.

Okay, on that ‘just enjoy’ level, it’s a pleasing pale ale. Nothing strong, nothing outstanding, to me nothing interesting from this ale. I was expecting more since I really liked their Racer 5 IPA. This one does not light my fire. Well, in a matter of fact it does not even light the match to light the fire.

Mouthfeel: low carbonation, strange lingering slightly bitter note that reminds me of a citrus rind.

My Strength Rating: 6 – a pool of non-descript and muted flavors.

To the Point: I could care less for this ale. But, on Beer Advocate, 360 reviewers averaged out for a B+ on this ale. What do you think?

The Pairing

On the first third of the cigar I was so busy trying to figure this beer out it I did not really think about how they were matching up.

The earthy quality of each matches well. And then, the other rather non-descript flavors of the ale, thank god, did not really interfere with the cigar.

This ale was not a good pairing with this cigar. And, I can blame it on the ale for I know I like this cigar. I’ll be doing another pairing with the Punch Sesenta.

Gurkha Grand Age and Allagash Victor Ale: Pairing

2011-08-30T12:56:00.001-04:00

The Ale

I'll get a picture of the right cigar - I changed at
the last minute and didn't take pics I guess

Allagash Victor

Ale Brewed with Grapes

9% abv

1pt 9.4oz (750ml) bottle

$17.00 a bottle

Allagash Brewing

Portland, Maine, USA

Allagash.com

One of my favorite grapes, Cabernet Franc, was used in the brewing process to make this tasty ale.

Appearance: hazy burnt orange if you roll the bottle before opening or a bright semi-transparent burnt orange if you do not roll the bottle. I like to stir up the sediment. A ½ finger eggshell colored head.

Aroma: very light yet fruity when chilled. A little more spice on the nose as the ale warms up.

Flavors: there is a nice earthy yeast and grain like quality. Knowing that Cab Franc is used in this ale has thrown me for a loop. My brain is looking for big blackberries, black raspberries, tobacco and a big earthy style. I am picking up more white wine and beer like qualities; like a splash of tart apple, plum (okay a red wine note), apricot (back to beer and white wine), a little nectarine to keep things smooth. The malts are sweet but, not overwhelming. The hops are in the mix to add some good balance to this brew.

It is funny reading beeradvocate on this ale for they think it tastes too much like ‘cab franc’ or wine. I am a big time cab franc slappy and this is not even close to a cab franc wine. It is more beer like with some white wine qualities.

And, for you beer geeks – white wine and beer have a lot of tasting notes in common. How about this profile: “ripe citrus and pineapple flavors followed by floral notes and subtle minerality.” IPA or Chardonnay?

Mouthfeel: fine carbonation that leaves a light fizz on the tongue. Moderate body weight and a lingering apricot skin (slight bitter/tart note) aftertaste. Dry on the palate.

My Strength Rating: 5

The Cigar and Pairing

Gurkha Grand Age

Wrapper: Cameroon (dark)

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan and Peruvian

Size: 7.5x54

Off the light: light to moderate earthy tone. After a few puffs I am thinking of a firm cedar bite along with some earthy notes.

There is a dry soil earthiness that is mixed with a medium roast coffee profile. The texture seems to be dry and a little wool like. There is a sharp cedary bite that adds a little twang to the palate.

The Pairing: wow, does this cigar change the profile of this ale. I don’t notice any of the sweet fruit or sweet malts and I don’t get the tart fruit skin on the aftertaste. I do get a big time earthy profile on this ale while I am smoking this Gurkha.

Mid-Point: I would say this is a medium bodied smoke. The sharp cedar, not cheddar, is still the main profile. Underneath there is the earthy coffee taste.

The Pairing: boy, oh boy, this ale is certainly different. I don’t think I like the changes. In other words, I don’t like this pairing. I think the firm cedar profile of the cigar is affecting the sweet style of the ale.

The ale does not even affect the cigar.

Down the Stretch: The coffee and earthy profile is pleasing to the palate. The earthy notes are soil and wood like in quality. The coffee note is still a medium roast style. The cedar has settled; it is not as sharp.

The Pairing: I just can’t recommend this pairing. The cigar has too big of a negative effect on the ale.

My Strength Rating (cigar): 6 – during this pairing.

My New Used Cigar Chair

2011-08-28T12:55:00.001-04:00

I picked this chair up at a garage sale in Grindstone City this summer. Here it is at my summer place in Grindstone. I had to shove it inside my 40 foot RV till I can bring the Explorer up to take it home (won’t travel 165 mile in the trunk of my Sable). I can’t wait to get it home to go in my cigar room back home.

I got it for $30.00 with the ottoman. And, it is a Thomasville. I have Thomasville in my family room – damn this had to be originally a $1,200 chair and ottoman set (at least).

I can sit in this chair all day. Hell I can sleep in it too.

Gran Habano Cabinet Selection and Vision Cellars 2007 Pinot Noir: Pairing

2011-08-27T12:03:00.000-04:00

The Wine

Vision Cellars 2007 Pinot Noir

Coster Vineyard

Russian River Valley

Vision Cellars

Rutherford, California, USA

Visioncellars.com

14.2% abv

$42.00 a bottle

Visit visioncellars.com and read about the owners interesting story.

Appearance: ruby pinot color with a light amber edge

Aroma: big summertime plum, touch of berries, and a hint of spice. Delicate bouquet.

Flavors: dark cherry adds a nice sweetness, plum helps to lighten up the body, black raspberry, a Dr. Pepper quality, nice light touch of spice.

Mouthfeel: velvety smooth, perfect for a relaxing evening. Lingering berry/cherry notes. Tannins are light.

My Strength Rating: 3.5 – velvety, silky, satiny whatever you want to call it’s just damn smooth – I’ll just say it is just plain sexy.

You want to impress your date or mate, buy this bottle. Just don’t forget to open it. And, that is easy – it is a twist off.

93 pts. Wine Spectator

91 pts. Wine Enthusiast

The Cigar

Gran Habano Cabinet Selection Gran Consul

Wrapper: Corojo

Fillers: Nicaraguan

Size: 4.7 x 60 box-pressed

$12.00 in Michigan

You can find for under $10 online

Off the Light: tasty forest floor earthy notes right off the bat. Around the first inch mark I start to notice a toasty cashew nut quality. An easy, smooth, medium bodied smoke at this point.

Mid-Point: nice firm salt and pepper ash. The forest floor earthy tones have evolved into a light mineral rich soil note. There are toasty grains (oats?), pecan, fennel, and a dusting of cinnamon. I have never had this cigar before but, from this impression I may have a new favorite. I am glad I bought two sticks.

The mouthfeel is very pleasing, rich, smooth leather, inviting, and I am thinking about a 4.5 or a 4 for my strength rating at this point.

Down the Stretch: the rich soil becomes a little firmer; there is still a good mineral quality to the smoking experience. The sweet spice is just a hint, the toasted grains become a bit stronger. The mouthfeel is clearly in the medium body range. A firm 5 on my strength rating.

The Pairing

This is one tasty combination. The complex flavors of the cigar mingle eloquently with the smooth and sexy style of this Pinot Noir. The rich earthy tones, tasty toasty grains, and sweet spices of the cigar are lavished with the wines wonderful dark cherry, ripe plum, black raspberry and Dr. Pepper likeness. This is bliss. I don’t want it to end.

Ashton VSG Wizard and St. Bernardus Prior 8: Pairing

2011-08-25T12:03:00.000-04:00

The Ale

St. Bernardus Prior 8

Belgian Abbey ale

Watou, Belgium

Flavors: It has some malty sweetness that kind of reminds me of a thick slice of cinnamon raisin bread, the main profile seems to be dried dark fruits, raisins, figs, and dates. Ok, it is not that complex or exciting but, it is just a pleasure to drink. This is one nice brown ale.

Mouthfeel: fine fizzy carbonation, dried dark fruits on the short aftertaste

The Cigar and Pairing

Ashton VSG Wizard

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sun Grown

Binder: Dom. Rep.

Filler: Dom. Rep.

Vitola: 6 x 56; toro

$17.00 in Michigan

The Wizard and Spellbound are my favorite sizes out of the VSG lineup.

Off the Light: nice soil earth and dried dark fruits. Once past the half inch mark the flavors remind me of: rich mineral soil, bright medium roast coffee, and a touch of spice is starting to develop. The smaller ring gauges have a bigger spice bite. The spice is … is … a dried spice box with a fine grind white and green pepper thrown in.

The first third is medium bodied at best.

The Pairing: these two are working well with each other. The dark fruits of the ale match perfectly with this cigar. The raisin and fig like characteristics of the ale intermingle with the rich mineral earthy tone and medium roast coffee of the cigar.

Boy, did I choose the wrong ale and cigar to review! This is going to take some time for this is one big stick. I cleaned my 40 RV today, yes I’m in Grindstone City my summer place, and I have a ladder, water hose, buckets, brushes, and who knows what else is lying around. Hell, I have tomorrow to clean up.

Mid-Point: the mouthfeel is dry yet smooth with a soft wool like texture. The coffee note is a bit fuller moving up to a dark roast, the soil is also a touch fuller, and the spice is clearly a pepper mill mix of black, green and white peppercorns.

The Pairing: I am enjoying taking a few puffs of the cigar and then a few sips of the Abbey Ale. The fine fizzy carbonation helps to refresh the palate. All the flavors, from these two, are still working well with each other.

As for the interplay between these two (cigar first then ale or ale first then cigar) it just does not matter. The ale refreshes the palate if I have been puffing on the cigar first. If I drink the ale first and then a few puffs of the cigar it seems like the dried dark fruits are transferred to the cigar. I usually have a preference but, not with this pairing. And, yes with this big cigar you have time to think of these things. Today being July 7^th and I don’t have to be back to work till the end of August … I think I’ll just think about these types of worldly matters. I have been without a TV for one week and the only thing I am worried about is if Robin Mead (CNN Headline News – Morning) is still good looking.

Down the Stretch: I am about an hour and a half into this big boy and I wish now that I brought another Wizard with me. The earthy notes have taken over with soil and woody tones. The wood is like a mixture of firm cedar and a touch of oak.

The Pairing: I am down to the last few sips of the ale and the last couple inches of the cigar. Yes, if I had another bottle of this ale and one more Wizard cigar I would do it again. This has been delightful. The ale is defiantly helping to manage the full strength of this cigar at this point.

My Strength Rating: 7

I am enjoyed this pairing and looking at the woods with all its wildlife sounds. The dog ran a big fat raccoon up a tree, the birds are singing, the hummingbirds are a buzzing by and I don’t won’t this to end.

Romeo y Julieta Clemenceau: Cigar Review

2011-08-23T11:36:00.001-04:00

Back when these came out on the market in Michigan I had three RyJ Clemenceau from the factory in Cuba. Some of the instructors at work went to Cuba on an ‘educational experience.’ The department head at the time brought me back those cigars. She bought them right at the factory. Yes, they got to tour the factory and not one of them smoked cigars. Here is the crazy thing. I finally smoked one and I enjoyed it.

When I went to Trader Tom’s to pick up some cigars, two days laters, there they were sitting on the shelf. Same packaging, same cigar, it just says, ‘Made in Dominican Republic.’ Of course I bought a box of them then. Then, I got to do a side by side tasting of the Cuban and the Dominican Romeo y Julieta Clemenceau. No difference. Both had that classic cigar tobacco profile.

Needless to say these were a favorite of mine for a few years. They are very simple and straight forward. They are on the mild side and I have always leaned toward the fuller bodied cigars but, this is just a fine smoke now and then.

Being packaged in the cedar lined tubo this cigar smells wonderful. Spend a few moments just smelling it before you light it.

Off the Light: light, dry, yet rich earthy tones. As the cigar continues the earthy tones are still present with a light toasting of grains. Yes, to me it is just a ‘classic cigar tobacco taste.’

Mid-Point: no surprises here. This cigar is consistent. Rich earthy tones, faint cedar, toasted grains, and a touch of nuttiness. Nuttiness – I like that! It reminds me of almond with a dusting of walnut. I’ll give it a 2 on my strength scale.

As the burn passes the halfway point the cedar note builds a little. While I am enjoying this smoking experience I am wondering why I have not had this stick in a long, long time (years). I’ll have to buy a box soon.

This cigar would be nice paired with a Chardonnay, maybe an IPA and it is always good with a cup of coffee (that is what I have right now).

Down the Stretch: this cigar is taking me down memory lane. I had just bought my summer place in Grindstone, Michigan (2001). I remember doing that cigar pairing of the Cuban and the Dominican out by the fire pit. I think that had to be in 2002.

The roasted notes are a tad fuller. I’ll give it a 3 or 3.5 on my strength scale. The cedar and earthy tones are a little firmer on the finish.

Oliva Serie V Double Toro and La Chouffe: Cigar Review

2011-08-20T11:57:00.001-04:00

The Cigar

Oliva Serie V Double Toro

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Sun Grown

Binder: Nicaraguan

Fillers: Nicaraguan Jalapa Vallery ligero tobaccos

Size: 6 x 60

Olivacigar.com

I have to start with this disclaimer: I really like this puro and especially in this size. It has to be one of my favorites.

Off the Light: the first few puffs reminded me of sweet raisin bread. As the smoke continued the raisin likeness reminded me of a mix of fancy and golden raisins. The spice starts to creep in and it seems like a delicate ginger taste.

By the inch mark I am reminded of a bright Guatemalan coffee that I just had yesterday morning. The texture is smooth and the earthy notes are rich.

Mid-point: a medium oaky note kicks in, earthy coffee builds, dried dark fruits, and a sweet cedar note comes onto the scene. The texture is smooth in its delivery, semi-creamy in its style and the body weight seems full to medium-full. Take your time smoking this big boy so you can enjoy this experience.

Down the Stretch: as the smoking experience moves into the final third it is real similar to the mid-point notes. If you don’t smoke it too fast the tobacco notes are rich, creamy, and smooth. I have been smoking this big boy for two hours and I still have an inch to go. Slow and easy – just how I like it! Smoking this cigar that is, well what you were thinking is also good ‘slow and easy.’ See smoking a cigar is like sex.

My Strength Rating: 7.5 – fine complexities, smooth texture, firm body weight, and an overall wonderful smoking experience.

The Ale

La Chouffe

Artisanal Belgian Golden Ale Brewed with Spice

8% abv

1pt 9.4oz bottle

$12.00 a bottle

Brasserie D’Achouffe

Belgium

Appearance: I’ll tell you it is hard not to pour a two finger head with a Belgian beer. A beautiful two finger white shaving cream head and this baby has staying power. A nice fuzzy golden body color. When I got to the bottom of the glass there was still a thin layer of head and tons of lacing on the glass.

Aroma: Belgian yeast, touch of coriander spice, fairly pleasing bouquet.

Flavors: the coriander is soft and pleasing, the English Golding and Saaz hops are rich and mild, the pilsner malts are sweet yet well balanced, sweet herbal likeness.

Halfway through the bottle the sweet spices seem like a touch of cinnamon and a hint of clove. The nose of coriander is maintained but as the glass is moved away there seems to be some other sweet spices on the palate.

Mouthfeel: the acidity and bitterness is low, sweet grassy linger note, light, smooth and oily texture. The ale seems to have a flat champagne carbonation feel. Come to think of it … it has a flat champagne like taste at times. Since it is not champagne that is okay.

My Strength Rating: 4/3.5 – I have never had this ale before but, I find it very pleasing and interesting.

To the Point: I don’t think I can give it an A but, an A- or B+, let’s call it 90%, right on the edge. This would be perfect for a hot summer day … if summer ever gets here this year.

The Pairing

This is great to me tonight. It is not too heavy or overbearing. The ale seems to have a soothing effect on the cigar. The soft coriander and sweet herbal notes mix well with the woody notes of oak and sweet cedar from the cigar. The light sweet malts and yeast of the La Chouffe play fairly with the earthy coffee profile of the cigar.